Medication/treatment?

[silverlining*]

Hey, I'm new here and need some help with this. Just recently I've come to realise that what has been going on in my head is/was actually quite bad OCD. Thing is, it seems to be mainly in remission at the moment and I'm hoping that it might be going away (wishful thinking maybe!).

Whether that's true or not, should I seek help for it? Very few people know about it and I don't want to have to tell anyone. Should I only look into medication or whatever if it flares up again? There doesn't really seem much point in doing anything about it at the moment...right?

Or is it normal to receive treatment for OCD all the time, however much it's affecting your life? I'm kind of thinking that if this is affecting my relationship with God - even if it's not in such a big way right at the moment - I should be doing anything I can do get rid of it, but is there any point right now? (And, as I've said, I really don't want to!)

Thanks!

 

[gracealone]

Hi Silverlining,
It's not unusual for OCD to flucutate. It can be really severe in that it effects a persons ability to function or it can be just mildly disturbing.
I think that it would still be a good idea to have a consultation with a professional and describe your past or current obsessions and how they affect your daily life. Learning all you can about OCD and how to manage it will give you the tools you need to attend to it right away should it begin to get severe. If you're doing well without meds. that's great. But meds. are always there as an option should you get into a bad flare as they can help take the edge off the anxiety to the point where you are better able to apply the therapy. Not everyone with OCD needs meds.
The best therapy for me has been learning how to do exposure/response/prevention techniques. Some good articles on this can be found at
www.ocdonline.com
Read Dr. Phillipson's articles on OCD and the pure "O" form of OCD if your compulsive activity is mainly mental rumination.

Some self help things that you can incorporate into your daily life while you are feeling well that can help to minimize the intensity or frequency of a flare are regular vigorous aerobic exercise, calming breathing techniques, progressive muscle relaxation and limiting caffiene intake.
I've managed my OCD without meds. and with meds. Currently I'm using Buspar to help manage my OCD after going through a really bad flare about a year ago.
You will be doing yourself a huge favor if you learn to attend to this problem while it's minimal.
Glad you found this forum. It's been a tremendous encouragement to me.
Welcome aboard!
Praying for you,
Mitzi

Hey, I'm new here and need some help with this. Just recently I've come to realise that what has been going on in my head is/was actually quite bad OCD. Thing is, it seems to be mainly in remission at the moment and I'm hoping that it might be going away (wishful thinking maybe!).

Whether that's true or not, should I seek help for it? Very few people know about it and I don't want to have to tell anyone. Should I only look into medication or whatever if it flares up again? There doesn't really seem much point in doing anything about it at the moment...right?

Or is it normal to receive treatment for OCD all the time, however much it's affecting your life? I'm kind of thinking that if this is affecting my relationship with God - even if it's not in such a big way right at the moment - I should be doing anything I can do get rid of it, but is there any point right now? (And, as I've said, I really don't want to!)

Thanks!

 

[silverlining*]

Thank you, that's a lot of useful information The website's good, and I am trying to learn more about OCD in order to manage it better - it's a massive relief to know that it is a medical condition. Hopefully I'll be able to make myself go and see someone about it at some point.

 

[gracealone]

Thank you, that's a lot of useful information The website's good, and I am trying to learn more about OCD in order to manage it better - it's a massive relief to know that it is a medical condition. Hopefully I'll be able to make myself go and see someone about it at some point.

I know how you feel. Just knowing that you aren't to blame for it and that others understand what you are going through is comforting. I'll pray that God will direct you to the right Dr. and that He will give you the words and courage to clearly convey what you have been going through.
Mitzi